Greece added just 13 MW in 2014
Despite technically reaching grid parity, Greece installed a mere 13 MW of new solar PV in 2014, according to official statistics released last week.
RWE buys stake in Conergy
The German utility giant has acquired a minority stake in Conergy. The leading downstream solar company expects to expand operations this year in Latin America, Japan, Philippines and Africa, CEO Andrew de Pass tells pv magazine.
Wirsol Energy plugs 29 MW solar farm into UK grid
Connection of the Elms Farm solar park made in time to qualify for 1.4 ROC. Plant sold to Bluefield Solar Income Fund as part of company’s growing PV portfolio.
Brazilian solar auction set for August
The second national solar auction in Brazil will award 20-year contracts to winning projects, which are to begin operations in 2017.
Solar Frontier signs 100 MW supply deal with Welspun
Japanese CIGS manufacturer and project developer Solar Frontier has signed a deal to supply 100 MW to Indian solar developer Welspun. No timeline for module shipments has been announced, however Welspun reports that it targets installing 1 GW of combined solar and wind capacity in 2015.
Solar-hybrid applications offer solution for hard-hit EPCs
Interview: PV power plant project developers in Europe are in big trouble. The first round of calls for ground-mounted systems has begun, but it’s not clear how this model will develop. The global market for solar-diesel hybrid systems, however, is large and full of opportunities, says Thomas Hillig, founder of the online platform THEnergy, in an interview with pv magazine.
Update: Jinko responds to fire at wafer facility
There have been reports this morning of a fire at Jinko Solar’s wafer production facility in Jianxi, China. JinkoSolar has estimated damages at between $80,000 and $160,000.
Italy to switch off PV plants over 100 kW during solar eclipse
In Germany, the debate is still on as to how to deal with large PV systems during the solar eclipse on Friday. Italian transmission grid operator Terna has made the decision to switch off large-scale PV plants for an entire 24-hour period. It appears unlikely that Germany will do the same.
Australia: Rooftop solar subsidies appear safe, storage program launched
Signals from the Australian Federal Government appear to indicate that rooftop solar will remain free from subsidy cuts. Program to trial solar plus storage at new housing development announced.
Chinese social media questions Jinko's fire prevention measures
Users on Chinese micro blogging site Weibo have raised questions about JinkoSolar’s fire prevention measures at its Jianxi fab. Informal reports indicate a tower that is a part of the Jinko facilities appears totally destroyed.
